NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Jeep Gladiator Safety Ratings
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator scores 62 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), 7 recalls, and 478 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 62/100, ranking it in the Below Average category. This assessment is notably influenced by a weak crash-protection sub-score. The model has been subject to seven recall campaigns. Furthermore, federal data lists nearly 500 unverified consumer complaints. There is no prior-year Safety Index available for comparison. Safety-conscious consumers should consider these points when evaluating the 2020 Gladiator.
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator received a NHTSA Safety Index of 62/100 and a 3-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator ranks 105 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 62 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 26.7% |
| Recalls on file | 7 |
| Owner complaints | 478 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 105 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Jeep Gladiator?
The 2020 model year marks the Gladiator's debut production run, and the safety picture that emerges from NHTSA data is notably uneven. The NHTSA Safety Index lands at 62/100 in the Below Average band, with no prior-year Index on file to measure movement. The index breakdown reveals where the score suffers most: crash protection accounts for only 49.8 of a possible 70 points, dragging the composite down despite a solid 4-star frontal result. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 4.5 out of 10 reflects a meaningful gap, as forward collision warning is only optional and lane departure warning is absent entirely, with electronic stability control the lone standard active-safety feature. The defect record sub-score of 7.5 out of 20 reflects seven recall campaigns, two of which specifically target the manual-transmission clutch assembly and one that covers seat belts. The 478 unverified owner complaints, led by Steering and Electrical System allegations, add further texture to a first-year model that entered the market carrying real safety questions across multiple dimensions.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Jeep Gladiator perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator achieved a 4 out of 5 star rating in frontal crash protection, representing its highest score from NHTSA. Its rollover rating stands at 3 out of 5 stars, with a 27 percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip test concluded with a "No Tip" result. NHTSA did not complete evaluations for the overall or side crash protection categories for this vehicle.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14244
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Jeep Gladiator have any recalls?
Seven recall campaigns cover the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. Components involved include the instrument panel cluster, the clutch assembly on manual-transmission models (addressed across two separate campaigns), seat belts, and the backup camera sensing system. The backup camera recall was resolved via an over-the-air software fix. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is recorded in the data provided.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL24V652000
Risk: An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between October 3, 2024, and January 23, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 30B.
Reported 2024-09-05
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY23V116000
Risk: Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the clutch assembly and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed from November 16, 2023 through July 25, 2024. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 19A. This recall expands and replaces previous recall 21V-028. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 21V-028 will need to
Reported 2023-02-23
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY21V028000
Risk: Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner pressure plate, free of charge." FCA has ordered a stop sale for the affected vehicles as of February 25, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2021.
Reported 2021-01-28
SEAT BELTS20V580000
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors, free of charge. The recall began November 12, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W67.
Reported 2020-09-24
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA20V191000
Risk: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.
Reported 2020-09-10
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY20V124000
Risk: The overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reroute a wire harness and inspect the clutch system, and replace components as needed. The recall began April 30, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W12.
Reported 2020-03-03
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT19V636000
Risk: A joint without grease may overheat and seize, possibly causing the driveshaft to fracture, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power. If the driveshaft completely separates from the vehicle it may become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US number for this recall is V95.
Reported 2019-08-29
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Jeep Gladiator?
Owners have filed 478 unverified complaints with NHTSA against the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The most-reported component categories are Steering with 181 alleged incidents and the Electrical System with 179, followed by Power Train, Engine, Suspension, and other categories. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
478 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Jeep Gladiator?
Multiple open recall campaigns on the 2020 Jeep Gladiator necessitate a thorough VIN check for any prospective buyer. Specifically, two distinct clutch assembly recalls, alongside a seatbelt recall, may remain unaddressed on individual units. Documentation confirming the completion of these remedies should be a prerequisite for any transaction.
- The 2020 Jeep Gladiator's crash-protection sub-score of 49.8 out of 70 is the single largest drag on its 62/100 Safety Index, reflecting incomplete NHTSA testing with no overall or side star ratings on record.
- Two separate NHTSA recall campaigns target the clutch assembly on 2020 Gladiators equipped with a manual transmission, one issued in 2021 and a follow-on issued in 2023, making VIN verification especially important for stick-shift models.
- A seat-belt recall affecting 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles was issued in 2020, and a backup-camera sensing-system recall was resolved through an over-the-air software update, also in 2020.
- Unverified NHTSA complaints against this model year total 478, with Steering and Electrical System together accounting for 360 of those alleged reports, a concentration that used-market shoppers should note when reviewing a specific vehicle's history.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Jeep Gladiator places
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Jeep Gladiator safety questions
Was the 2020 Jeep Gladiator crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 62 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Jeep Gladiator crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Jeep Gladiator earned 4 out of 5 stars for frontal and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 26.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Jeep Gladiator have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 7 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Jeep Gladiator?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 478 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Gladiator years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14244), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Jeep Gladiator 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 105 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.